Democracy caused losses
An anti-coup demonstrator gestures in front of Thai soldiers during a protest in Bangkok, Thailand, Sunday, May 25, 2014. AP
BANGKOK, ThailandA spokesman for Thailands coup leaders said Sunday that democracy had caused losses for the country, as the junta sought to combat growing international condemnation and hundreds of protesters angrily confronted soldiers in central Bangkok.
Small protests have persisted since the army seized power on Thursday after months of conflict between the elected government and a fierce opposition protest movement, and the junta has been pleading for patience.
Troops fanned out Sunday in one of Bangkoks busiest shopping districts and blocked access to the citys Skytrain in an attempt to prevent a third day of anti-coup demonstrations. They were soon met by a crowd of about 1,000 people, who shouted, Get out, get out, get out!
Tensions ran high, and at one point a group of soldiers was chased away by the crowds in the Ratchaprasong shopping district. By late afternoon, the protesters had moved to Victory Monument, a city landmark a few kilometers (miles) away, and their numbers had swelled past 2,000. Rows of soldiers were gathered, but troops did not move to break up the rally.
A speaker on a military truck said through loudspeakers, Brothers and sisters, please use your reasons and logics, not emotions.
The juntas leader, Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha, had warned people earlier Sunday not to join anti-coup street protests, saying normal democratic principles cannot be applied at this time.
At a press briefing, spokesmen for the junta sought to deflect international criticism. The United States has cut off foreign aid and canceled military exercises with Thailand since the coup. The U.S. also is reconsidering its long military relationship with the Southeast Asian country, Pentagon press secretary Rear Adm. John Kirby said.
The United States State Department on Saturday urged the immediate restoration of civilian rule and release of detained political leaders, a return to democracy through early elections, and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.
Asked about the U.S. relationship, the junta spokesmen expressed hope that Washington might consider what they called special circumstances, referring to several years of disruptive demonstrations by two bitterly divided factions that have at times paralyzed the country and led to violent clashes.
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Democracy caused losses